Lozenges with silver nanoparticles

A method for using solid lozenges containing silver nanoparticles, the method comprising:

• providing a solid lozenge composition for oral dissolution, the solid lozenge composition comprising an inactive carrier medium that is a solid at room temperature, at least one flavoring component, and silver nanoparticles, wherein the concentration of silver nanoparticles is between about 0.1 ppm and 25 ppm;
• placing the solid lozenge composition in a mouth of a user;
• and
• after placing the solid lozenge composition in the mouth of the user, orally dissolving the solid lozenge composition for a time period of at least 2 minutes, during which time period the silver nanoparticles are in substantially constant and repeated contact with a discomfort source in the throat of the user.

A method for making solid lozenges containing silver nanoparticles, the method comprising:

• combining an inactive carrier medium with silver nanoparticles over low heat to produce a liquid mixture, wherein the concentration of silver nanoparticles in the mixture is between about 0.1 ppm and 25 ppm;
• heating the liquid mixture to a first temperature;
• after heating the liquid mixture to the first temperature, stifling the liquid mixture frequently and heating the liquid mixture to a second temperature;
• after heating the liquid mixture to the second temperature, removing the liquid mixture from heat and continue stifling until the temperature of the liquid mixture falls to a third temperature;
• after the temperature of the liquid mixture falls to the third temperature, adding at least one essential oils flavoring component and continue stifling until the liquid mixture looks smooth and congruous;
• and
• dispensing the liquid mixture into lozenge molds and allowing the liquid mixture to cool into a solid.